A portrait of bravery, on ice

Molly is shown here trying out her new ice skates.
But who is the brave one...daughter or dad?

More reading

I would like to encourage any readers I might have (um, yes, hello) to check out the blogs listed on the sidebar, stage left. David at allonebook has a new post, regarding the all important chap stick issue. A good story, but scary. There is also a new addition to the side bar...our friend Jay Kelly (Mr. Meg Delehanty to some of you, sorry Jay) has a blog featuring his weekly column. This week's post was so great, so true, and most importantly, about the Hold Steady and our hometown that I felt the need to point it out. Please take a look at The Head Fake.
Ah, technology. So many new ways to nerd out.

Reading

For a blog called Books are Best, I talk surprisingly little about books.
This is what I'm reading now:
Beyond Good and Evil - Nietzsche. This is for St. John's Alumni Seminar. I enjoy reading N...he's a hoot. He's crotchety, crazy, and doesn't really give a damn. Philosophy as fun...until the specter of his evil influence comes into view, as it always does. Fun, over. This as part of our Ethics theme.
Mansfield Park - Austen. This is for book group at work. I am totally excited that they agreed to do this. I did not love Pride and Prejudice, unlike everyone else on earth, but am enjoying this. Not really sure why...maybe because it is such another world it feels like a vacation.
New issues of Virginia Quarterly Review and the London Review of Books have arrived as well. Maybe I'll read those when I start Against the Day (eek! Heidi!) as they will be easier to carry around than that thing.
To borrow from Slimbolala, what are you reading?

North woods baby

A walk in the woods

On Oberg Mountain, part of the Sawtooth Mountains, along the Superior Hiking Trail.

I certainly hope so

Thanks for the bumper sticker, Mom.

New...interest? (Obsession?)

So some of you out there (is anyone out there?) know of my curiousity/interest/obsession with hay vs. straw (eating vs. sleeping...please do ask if you want or need to know more. I've got facts, a bibliography, and I'll make time.)

My current agricultural query is thus...there are two kinds of wheat, winter wheat and spring wheat. Um, what? Wheat can't grow in the Red River Valley in winter...to quote Beth's gift to Heidi, what gives?
I suspect it has to do with when it's planted, not when it's harvested, but this will require some more investigation...

On the Shore

Although I don't like pictures of myself, I do like this one. Therefore, I share.